Computer and Information Sciences, General at Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, MA · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 2,554 students in Gardner, MA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,975/yr, roughly in line with the $38,485 national median for Computer and Information Sciences, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 34.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates.

With first-year pay of $38,975 far exceeding the $7,322 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #70 out of 109 programs, Mount Wachusett Community College's financial outcomes for Computer and Information Sciences, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Computer and Information Sciences, General connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

65 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
65
Score
67
High End
Earnings $38,975/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (31% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$411K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
34.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
14 of 14
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,000
Out-of-state: $21,840
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,322
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Computer and information research scientists $140,910 +19.7% 37%
Database architects $135,980 +8.7% 6%
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910
+19.7% growth 37% AI-proof
Database architects
$135,980
+8.7% growth 6% AI-proof

View all 14 career paths with full salary data →

About Computer and Information Sciences, General Careers

Your career in tech often begins on a team, perhaps as a software developer using languages like Python to build new app features, or as an information security analyst monitoring networks for threats with tools like Splunk. Entry-level roles focus on specific tasks like fixing bugs or responding to security alerts under supervision. With a few years of experience, you’ll take on more complex challenges, designing systems and mentoring others. Many progress to senior specialist roles or into management, leading teams and setting strategy as a Computer and Information Systems Manager.

Read the full Computer and Information Sciences, General career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer and Information Sciences, General Overview

Computer and Information Sciences, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mount Wachusett Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer and Information Sciences, General at Mount Wachusett Community College?
At 65/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer and Information Sciences, General is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How vulnerable is Computer and Information Sciences, General to AI automation?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $407,764 in decade earnings vs $411,432 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What's the typical debt for Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates from Mount Wachusett Community College?
Median debt of just $7,322 against $38,975/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Computer and Information Sciences, General?
Yes — 2 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Computer and Information Sciences, General career paths, including Data Scientist. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
Is there demand for Computer and Information Sciences, General workers?
With approximately 338,800 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer and Information Sciences, General offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →